2 Esdras 16:74-78

Common English Bible

⁷⁴ In that time, the genuine commitment of my chosen ones will be shown, as gold that is tested by fire.

⁷⁵ Listen, my chosen ones, says the Lord, the days of distress are at hand, and I will deliver you from these. ⁷⁶ Don’t fear or hesitate, for God is your leader. ⁷⁷ You who keep my commandments and precepts, says the Lord God, don’t let your sins drag you down, and don’t let wickedness get the upper hand over you. ⁷⁸ How terrible it will be for those who are choked by their sins and covered over by their iniquities, as a field is choked by overgrowth and its paths are covered over by thorns so that a human being can’t pass through. It is shut off and consigned to destruction by fire.